Internships – Traineeships at the European Union Drugs Agency – Portugal

Would you like to start your career at a European Union agency? The European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) has opened 17 paid internship programmes in Lisbon (Portugal) for recent graduates who wish to develop their careers in an international environment and contribute to a healthier and safer Europe through evidence-based policies.

What is the EUDA?

The European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) is one of the European Union’s decentralised agencies and is based in Lisbon (Portugal). It is the leading European body responsible for providing objective, reliable and evidence-based information on drugs and drug dependence. Its mission is to help the European Union and its Member States anticipate new challenges, identify emerging risks, strengthen responses to the drugs phenomenon and promote the exchange of knowledge to develop more effective policies and interventions.

Why undertake this work placement?

The EUDA’s internship programme offers recent graduates the opportunity to gain an insight into the workings of a European Union agency, acquire professional experience on real-world projects and apply the knowledge gained during their studies. Furthermore, it allows you to work in an international and multilingual environment, collaborating with professionals from different disciplines and contributing to the development of evidence-based public policies.

What will you be doing?

Depending on the profile you choose, you will be able to:

• Take part in European research, innovation and digital transformation projects.
• Help with data analysis, report writing and the development of digital tools.
• Support communication activities, event organisation and international cooperation.
• Contribute to the design and evaluation of public policies on drugs and health.
• Work with experts from different countries in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
• Develop professional skills in a European and innovative environment.

Entry requirements

To be eligible for one of these work placements, you must generally meet the following requirements:

• You must have obtained a university degree (bachelor’s degree or equivalent) within the last three years.
• Have a good command of English, as this is the agency’s main working language.
• You must have knowledge of IT tools and the Microsoft Office suite; some roles require specific technical skills.
• Demonstrate an interest in the work of the European institutions and in areas such as research, innovation, public health, communication, data analysis or digital transformation, depending on the post.
• Possess analytical, organisational, communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills.
• Be motivated to work in an international, multicultural and multidisciplinary environment.
• Specific requirements, such as qualifications or technical knowledge, vary depending on the internship profile selected.

Benefits

• A paid internship allowance of €1,421.26 per month.
• An 11-month work placement in Lisbon.
• Ongoing training through courses, conferences and workshops.
• Professional development alongside specialists from across Europe.
• Involvement in projects that influence European health and drugs policies.
• An international, multicultural and inclusive working environment.
• Flexible working hours and the option to work remotely.
• 24 working days’ annual leave, plus EU and Portuguese public holidays.
• Access to an on-site gym.
• Reimbursement of travel expenses for candidates living outside the Lisbon metropolitan area.

Available profiles

EUDA offers internship opportunities across a wide range of fields, tailored to different academic and professional backgrounds:

• Human Resources: support for talent management, recruitment and organisational development.
• Communication: content creation, internal communication, event organisation and promotion of the agency’s activities.
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT): application development, digital transformation, data analysis, technical support and innovation.
• Research and Innovation: trend analysis, foresight, research projects and the development of scientific knowledge.
• International Cooperation: collaboration with international institutions and organisations, including EU enlargement projects and cooperation with third countries.
• Strategic Planning: support for institutional planning, performance monitoring and process improvement.
• Drug and Market Policies: analysis of public policies, organised crime, drug markets and precursor chemicals.
• Public Health and Social Responses: research into drug use, prevention, treatment and harm reduction.
• Early Warning Systems and Laboratories: monitoring of new psychoactive substances, risk assessment and support for the European network of laboratories.

As such, the placements are aimed at a wide range of profiles, from graduates in social sciences, public health, criminology or international relations to those with degrees in computer science, engineering, data analysis, communication, administration or human resources, amongst others.

Career opportunities

In addition to work placements, the EUDA also offers opportunities such as:

• Temporary staff (AD and AST).
• Contract staff (FG I–IV).
• Seconded national experts.
• Temporary appointments for specific projects.

 

Application deadline: 25 August 2026 (except for certain specific vacancies with different deadlines).

 

More  information: European Union Drugs Agency